ABSTRACT
The flipped classroom has gained prominence in higher education, but little has been written about its application in the Middle East. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of flipping biochemistry classes in comparison to the traditional didactic program. The study was conducted on first-year medical students taking biochemistry at a private University in Saudi Arabia. A series of short, pre-recorded videos were used to replace traditional lectures. The scheduled lecture time was used for problem solving and discussion sessions. To gather their evaluation of the learning approach, participants completed an online survey. To study the effect of the learning approach on exam performance, the scores of the participants were compared in questions taught using the flipped classroom versus the traditional didactic method. Participants noted that the effort needed for the course was similar regardless of the learning approach. Moreover, examination performance measured using single best answer multiple-choice questions showed no difference between the two teaching methods. However, the participants did report a significantly better perception of the flipped classroom compared to the traditional approach. Although no significant improvement in examination results was noted, the participants significantly favored the flipped classroom over traditional lectures. This study has demonstrated that the flipped classroom can be used in the teaching of the biosciences within a Middle Eastern setting, resulting in an improvement in student satisfaction and engagement in the course materials.
Subject(s)
Biochemistry/education , Computer-Assisted Instruction/methods , Curriculum , Education, Medical, Undergraduate/standards , Educational Measurement/methods , Problem-Based Learning/methods , Students, Medical/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Perception , Personal Satisfaction , Saudi Arabia , UniversitiesABSTRACT
Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient maintaining the state of well being of individuals. This study examined factors affecting and the blood vitamin C levels of motorized tricycle drivers in Parañaque City, Philippines. Consenting drivers (N=49) were included in the study and were assessed through self-administered questionnaires, 24-h food recalls, and anthropometric measurements and on the analysis of their blood vitamin C levels. Factors related to the blood vitamin C levels of the motorized tricycle drivers were determined by correlation analysis. Majority (79.6%) of drivers had low blood vitamin C levels. Workplace and vitamin C supplementations (p<0.05) were significantly related to the blood vitamin C levels of the motorized tricycle drivers. Further studies are recommended to understand the problem and the determinants of vitamin C deficiency among the general population.